Home › Compare › Austin, TX vs Kansas City, MO

Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Kansas City, MO

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

9.7% Kansas City, MO is cheaper overall
28.8% 28.8% cheaper housing
0.0% 0.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 28.8% cheaper
Austin
118
Kansas City
84
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Austin
96
Kansas City
96
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Austin
98
Kansas City
100
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Austin
97
Kansas City
96
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Austin
99
Kansas City
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Austin, TX Kansas City, MO Difference
Overall Cost Index103939.7% less
Housing1188428.8% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$1,10024.1% less
Median Home Price$425,000$240,00043.5% less
Groceries9696~Same
Transportation98100~Same
Healthcare9796~Same
Utilities99100~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Austin, TX Kansas City, MO
State Income TaxNone (0%)4.80% (top)
State Sales Tax6.25%4.23%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%0.88%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Austin, TX
$85,000
Median household income
Kansas City, MO
$62,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Kansas City costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Kansas City to maintain your Austin lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Austin (103) vs Kansas City (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Austin3.2%
Kansas City3.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Austin4.1%
Kansas City2.5%
Top Industries
AustinTech, Government, Healthcare
Kansas CityTech, Finance, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Austin28 min
Kansas City23 min
Walk Score
Austin41
Kansas City35
Air Quality (AQI)
Austin38
Kansas City42
Avg Temperature
Austin68°F
Kansas City54°F
Population
Austin979,882
Kansas City508,090

Moving from Austin to Kansas City?

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Austin and Kansas City → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Kansas City →

Compare Other Cities

Austin vs Denver → Austin vs Nashville → Austin vs Raleigh → Kansas City vs Portland → Kansas City vs Phoenix → Kansas City vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin or Kansas City cheaper to live in?+
Kansas City is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 28.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Austin vs Kansas City?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Austin and $1,100/month in Kansas City — a difference of about $350 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Austin or Kansas City?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. Missouri has a state income tax of 4.80% (top) and sales tax of 4.23%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Austin to Kansas City?+
Median household income in Austin is $85,000 compared to $62,000 in Kansas City. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Austin vs Kansas City?+
The median home price in Austin is $425,000 versus $240,000 in Kansas City — a difference of $185,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Missouri averages 0.88%.